3.1-magnitude earthquake hits San Juan Islands

The United States Geological Survey website reports that a 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the San Juan Islands at 10:57 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. The roughly seven-mile deep earthquake occurred about seven miles off the coast of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. It was initially reported as a 2.8-magnitude quake.

Residents on Lummi Island, as well as Anacortes, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia, also reported feeling the effects. Brendan Cowan, the director of the county’s emergency management department, said the event is not uncommon for the area.

“The recent quake was notable because it was felt by a large number of islanders,” said Cowan, “but is not at all unusual for where we live. We expect to see quakes like this every year or two.”